City of North Chicago City Council Met Dec. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
MINUTES
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. via Virtual media Zoom Link with Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. presiding.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. INVOCATION
III. ROLL CALL
Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:
Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: Evans
MOTION CARRIED
3-1 Resolution Honoring Charles Shipley
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Resolution Honoring Charles Shipley.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Evans
MOTION CARRIED
City Clerk Lori L. Collins read the Resolution as requested
IV. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
4-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, December 07, 2020
4-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, December 07, 2020
4-3 Treasurer’s Report – November 2020
4-4 Monthly Budget Report – May 01, 2020 thru November 30, 2020
4-5 ClearGov Inc. Budget Software in amount of $5,350
4-6 Resolution/IGA - Lake County Land Bank Association for Abandonment Proceedings
4-7 Ordinance Declaring Surplus/Authorizing Disposal or Sale of Certain Property
4-8 Adoption of Lake County Watershed Development Updates as Recently Amended by Lake County, October 13, 2020
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda Items 4-1 thru 4-4.
Alderman Jackson requested to move item 4-5 to Regular Agenda. Alderman January requested moving items 4-6 thru 4-8.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
1 12/21/20
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Charles January
Wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
4-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – CLEARGOV INC. BUDGET SOFTWARE IN AMOUNT OF $5,350
Alderman Evans moved, seconded Alderman Runnels to approve the ClearGov Inc. budget software in amount of $5,350
Alderman Jackson expressed concerned with $57,073.72 cost from Tyler Technologies Inc. in addition to this purchase. There is already a system. The Mayor clarified the software served 2 different purposes.
Tawanda Joyner, Assistant Comptroller explained that Tyler provided the main software (financial for budget). ClearGov is where the budget is created, developed and disbursed; the software worked together.
Deb Waszak, Chief of Staff added that the budget involved 300 pages of paper. The budget process currently was a manual processed spreadsheet. If it is not effective it would be cancelled in 2 years.
Alderman January echoed the sentiments of Alderman Jackson. She was unaware of the city financial status with pandemic and other issues; need to be mindful of the budget and unaware of the urgency.
The Mayor stated that financial obligations had been met; there was more in the pension funds and he commended the staff with budgeting. There had been additional funds added to the coffers.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Jackson, Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION/IGA – LAKE COUNTY LAND BANK ASSOCIATION FOR ABANDONMENT PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Evans moved, seconded Alderman Mayfield to approve Resolution/IGA for Lake County Land Bank Association for Abandonment Proceedings.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE DECLARING
SURPLUS/AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OR SALE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY
Alderman Evans moved, seconded Alderman Allen to approve the Ordinance Declaring Surplus/Authorizing Disposal or Sale of Certain Property.
Alderman January asked for the list to be read. City Clerk Lori Collins read the list as requested; 2330 Lewis Ave., 0 Casmir Pulaski Dr., 0 Greenfield Ave., 720 18th St., 0 Prospect Ave., 0 18th St., 0 19th St., 2952 MLK Jr. Dr., 0 22nd St., 2014 Greenfield Ave., 12733 W. Berwyn Ave., 12715 W. Berwyn Ave.
Alderman Evans invited anyone to Economic & Community Development for more information about available properties for sale.
Alderman January clarified should value the amount included; Attorney Simon explained that the Ordinance only identified the surplus and wasn’t selling them. The process to sale would be determined after further discussion.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-8 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL: ADOPTION OF LAKE COUNTY WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT UPDATES AS RECENTLY AMENDED BY LAKE COUNTY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Neighborhood Service Administrator/Fire Marshal.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF AMENDED & RESTATED RDA (REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT) – SHERIDAN CROSSING
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Amended & Restated RDA (Redevelopment Agreement) for Sheridan Crossing.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF EXTENDING 2019/2020 CONTRACTS FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES OF 2020/2021 FOR THE CITY HALL COMPLEX TO OLMOS LANDSCAPING, INC. AND TO TRI-STATE PLATINUM LANDSCAPING, LLC FOR THE NORTH CHICAGO METRA COMMUTER STATION AND ALL ALLEYS IN THE CITY FOR THE 2020/2021 WINTER SEASON
Alderman January stated there were no dollar amounts and would like those before voting. Alderman Markham said the amount should be read in the motion first and then discussed.
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to approve extending 2019/2020 Contracts for Snow and Ice removal services of 2020/2021 for the City Hall Complex to Olmos Landscaping, Inc. and to Tri-State Platinum Landscaping, LLC for the North Chicago Metra Commuter Station and all alleys in the City for the 2020/2021 Winter Season.
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to amend motion to include the dollar amount
Mr. Ed Wilmes, Public Works Director explained there was no dollar amount set; cost was based on occurrence. Provided was the amount budgeted and it may be more or less. The bid was awarded to lowest bidder for the services.
Alderman Markham asked to include cost of previous year without stating “not to exceed.” Attorney Simon explained that the amendment could include the bid tabulation.
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to revise amended motion for approval of Contracts for Snow and Ice removal services from Olmos Landscaping and Tri-State Platinum for 2020/2021 adding the bid tabulations.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL FOR TRI-R SYSTEMS TO PURCHASE ON THE CITY’S BEHALF, WONDERWARE SOFTWARE LICENSES TO COMPLETE THE SCADA SYSTEM UPGRADE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,175.00
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Tri-R Systems to purchase on the City’s behalf, Wonderware software licenses to complete the SCADA System upgrade in an amount not to exceed $35,175.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL: NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR / FIRE MARSHALL
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the positon of Neighborhood Services Administrator/Fire Marshall.
Alderman Jackson disagreed with high amount of salaries. Could the Neighborhood Services Administrator be a contracted position?
The Mayor stated possibility of contracting the positon. It would only be a $5,000 increase overall. This was two positions combined and benefit to the City.
Alderman Jackson questioned if the current Fire Marshall was in-house at this time; The Mayor stated the process of initial internal search.
Alderman Allen questioned how he/she would be removed from the position if the purpose wasn’t successful; The Mayor said there wouldn’t be a rehire in that position if it did not work and could be considered upon review of the City Salary Ordinance.
Mrs. Waszak explained when hired there would be a 6-month probation; Alderman Jackson questioned procedure if the revenue should lower; last one in first one out? Mrs. Waszak explained.
The Mayor clarified that Fire inspections and code enforcement was essential. He iterated the benefit with combined services; he/she would accomplish both tasks in one position. It opens time for more Economic Development.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Runnels
Nays: Jackson, Allen, Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION FAILED
6-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – ACCEPTANCE OF BID AT 812 14TH ST.
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the acceptance of bid at 812 14th St.
Alderman Jackson questioned if bidder complied with criteria and the property’s purpose; Mr. Barrera explained was phase I of many steps prior the bidder being able to use the land. The next step is to rezone from residential to commercial and total bid amount was $4,500.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF A CONTRACT AWARDED TO C-FORCE CONSTRUCTION AT THE NOVEMBER 16, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR CDBG-FUNDED SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT WORK FOR CURRENT UPPER LIMIT OF $31,290 TO $34,100, WHICH IS THE FULL VALUE AWARDED TO THE CITY FOR 2020
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to increase in value of a contract awarded to C-Force Construction at the November 16, 2020 City Council Meeting for CDBG funded sidewalk replacement work for current upper limit of $31,290 to $34,100, which is the full value awarded to the City for 2020.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 261,410.05
Motor Fuel Tax $ 480,435.66
Water Operations $ 405,750.08
Grant $ 9,950.00
Community Development - CDBG $ 72,780.13
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 1,340.00
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 6,581.15
TOTAL $ 1,238,247.07
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 12/21/20 in the amount of $1,238,247.07 when funds become available.
Alderman Jackson questioned Tyler Technologies Inc. pg. 15. Mrs. Waszak explained it was a portion of a larger amount; it gets paid as the process continues, the total amount had not been paid. There will be more bills to come.
Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds; when checks would be processed and dispensed. Assistant Comptroller Tawanda Joyner stated funds were available; checks would be disbursed before end of the week. Alderman January asked the balance of the Water Fund and the next transfer; Ms. Joyner provided the balance of in the Water Operations Fund in the amount of $1,249,850.66 and transfer of $675,000 in January 2021.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS
Alderman Evans expressed joy with the Christmas parade and North Chicago was 1 of the best cities in Illinois. Packets were disbursed on Thursday and Directors were available for any questions before the meetings. Council should be informed to spread information to the community; noted house on MLK Jr. Dr. with abundance of trash. He has received numerous calls for that ward and he was willing to discuss the issue.
Alderman Markham was unaware of the location; Alderman Evans stated at MLK Jr. Dr. & Dickey Ave.
GROCERY STORE GRANT
Alderman Markham questioned $100,000 grant for a grocery store and where the funds were. Mayor Rockingham explained that there was no grocer that came at the time the grant was available; the local stores weren’t willing to expand. The funding had to be utilized specifically and grant money wasn’t received. He said there was a current market in development that is looking for assistance.
Alderman Markham questioned if resubmitting; the Mayor stated was based on funding availability and he was uncertain.
Alderman Allen expressed difficulty of obtaining another grant if unavailable and there were some other projects forthcoming.
SANTA PARADE
Alderman January commented on the success of the parade and especially in the 7th Ward. She acknowledged/thanked the staff and Mayor.
VARIOUS
The Mayor announced the passing of Dwayne Roberson who was an employee that recently retired from the Water Plant. He acknowledged staff for participation in Christmas parade; commended Alderman Evans for the idea of the parade and starting previously; a rough year with the pandemic that ravished the world, gracious of those that provided when able; commending the elected officials and staff in general for everything.
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Evans, seconded by Alderman Mayfield that the meeting stand adjourned.
The Council wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/Sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/12.21.20.pdf
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